Computing

Learning computing at Elston All Saints allows children to journey into the digital world of technology and beyond.  Pupils at our school learn about the digital world through 3 main strainds; Digital Literacy, Computer Science and Information Technology.

Intent

The aim of the Computing curriculum is to teach the children at Elston All Saints Primary the skills they need to go out into the world with the knowledge, understanding, attitudes and practical skills to access the internet and digital technology safely, productively and with a good understanding of how technology can enhance our lives. We want our children to have a ‘SMART’ approach to online safety and be able to communicate concerns with the correct people.  We want our children to be creative with technology and explore ways they can use technology to enhance their lives not only in education but throughout their lives. We understand that as children grow older they may be faced with many situations regarding social media usage either within their social groups or the wider internet role, so we will prepare them with the necessary, age-appropriate information to make sensible and informed decisions so that they are safe. In today’s world the use of the internet plays a key role and we want our children to understand how to use it safely and with an understanding of the risks.  

We recognise that technology can allow pupils to share their learning in creative ways. We also understand the accessibility opportunities technology can provide for our pupils. Our knowledge rich curriculum has to be balanced with the opportunity for pupils to apply their knowledge creatively which will in turn help our pupils become skilful computer scientists.

We encourage staff to try and embed computing across the whole curriculum to make learning creative and accessible. We want our pupils to be fluent with a range of tools to best express their understanding and hope by Upper Key Stage 2 children have the independence and confidence to choose the best tool to fulfil the task and challenge set by teachers.

 Implementation

Purple Mash

Children follow the Purple Mash computing programme from Foundation to Year 6. Purple Mash teaches children to build digital literacy, develop their online safety skills and prepare for the wider world of digital usage. 

 

Online Safety

We believe that Online Safety and awareness of our digital presence online is an area of the curriculum that should be woven into day to day practice and discussion. We follow the 2BeSafe Golden Threads which allow us to delve into age and stage appropriate discussions about keeping ourselves safe, managing our personal information and looking after our wellbeing. On a weekly basis as part of our RSE/PSHE we have class discussions and activities to make online safety and awareness commonplace to our children.

Computer Science

We will develop children’s computational thinking, programming and computer networking skills through the delivery of purple mash and the opportunity to attend specific coding enhanced provision clubs.

Information Technology

Through Purple Mash children are able to produce work through the means of word processing, data handling, presentations, animations, video creation, photography and digital art, augmented reality and virtual reality.

Digital Literacy

Children at Elston develop their knowledge of digital literacy from the very beginning. Safety online is a hugely prevalent topic only growing as our children grow up. Through Purple Mash and enhanced through additional online safety lessons we are building a positive attitude to the internet world focusing on self-image and identity, online relationships, online reputation, online bullying, managing online information, privacy and security and copyright and ownership.

Digital Leaders

Our Digital Leaders are a huge part of our pupil voice at Elston. They contribute to the online safety delivery across the school and are tasked with keeping us up to date with new apps and technologies that could be of interest to children at our school and most importantly are a peer support for children to discuss their computing questions with.

Impact

We encourage our children to enjoy and value the curriculum we deliver. We will constantly ask the WHY behind their learning and not just the HOW. We want learners to discuss, reflect and appreciate the impact computing has on their learning, development and well-being.

Teachers will monitor the children’s progress through conversations and observations of work completed on Purple Mash or other software programmes used. They will identify any children who have not grasped a concept and will allow time for further discussion to ensure each child is safe, happy, confident and prepared with the skills they need to go out into the wider world. 

Assessment is ongoing and teachers use the Purple Mash computing progression of skills document to aid in their judgement.